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{
    "id": 1521812,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1521812/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 71,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Oketch Gicheru",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I rise pursuant to Standing Order No.52(1) to make a Statement on a matter of general topical concern namely, the persistent delay by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) in paying salary. Over the past year, KALRO employees across the country have experienced repeated delays in salary payments. Notably January, 2024 salaries were paid on 16th February, 2024; April, 2024 salaries were paid on 9th May, 2024; May, 2024 salaries were paid on 12th June, 2024; and August, 2024 salaries were paid on 13th September, 2024. In all these instances, the institution failed to provide any explanation to its employees as to why those delays were necessitated. Although there has been no outright default in salary payments, these persistent delays have caused significant inconveniences and hardship. Employees with bank standing orders and other time-sensitive financial commitments have been particularly affected. Furthermore, these delays have disrupted personal financial planning, often forcing employees to take loans, which accrue interest they would have otherwise avoided. Additionally, KALRO has failed to implement the annual salary increments that were due last year without any communication from management. The lack of credit regarding these increments has further exacerbated employee frustration and dissatisfaction. The combined effort of delayed salaries and unimplemented salary increment has had a demoralising impact on staff morale, particularly among scientists who play a crucial role in conducting applied and adaptive research to address the country’s agricultural challenges. It is the fundamental responsibility of every employer, particularly a Government institution, to ensure that salaries are paid on time. This obligation is not merely a matter of goodwill. It is a contractual and an ethical commitment that reflects an employer’s duty of care toward their employees. Therefore, I call upon the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) to- (1) Reform its salary processing system to ensure timely payment of salaries going forward; (2) Implement the salary increment as per the agreed terms and conditions, and; The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}